General
Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba Hands Over DVCAA Mantle to Prof. Buyinza
“Makerere has made me who I am today; it has nurtured me from a degree holder to a professor, and I will do all that is possible to support this institution” remarked Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba the outgoing Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) as he handed over office to the Acting DVCAA and Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The handover, held on 2nd August 2024 in the DVCAA’s Senate Building Office was presided over by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The ceremony was guided by Section F – d of The Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021 Edition as pronounced by the Director Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet. On hand to witness the ceremony were; Ag. Director Human Resources-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Director Legal Affairs- Ms. Nanyondo Sumaiyah Sebuta, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Ag. Director Research and Graduate Training-Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy University Librarian Dr. Ongaya Kizito, Principal Public Relations Officer-Ms. Ritah Namisango and members of the DVCAA and PR Offices.
Assoc. Prof. Kakumba’s term as DVCAA commenced on 1st December 2018 and ended on 30th November 2023, whereupon he was appointed in Acting Capacity until 31st May 2024. Thereafter, Prof. Buyinza was appointed in acting capacity for a period of six months effective 11th July 2024 to 10th January 2025 or until a substantive DVCAA is appointed whichever comes earlier.
Congratulating Assoc. Prof. Kakumba upon the successful completion of his term, Prof. Alinaitwe thanked God that he was able to deliver throughout his term and enable the university to progress especially through the COVID-19 period. “He has really achieved so many things for this institution.”
Prior to outlining some of the accomplishments during his term, Assoc. Prof. Kakumba said, “I am thankful to the Almighty God, to my supervisor Prof. Nawangwe and to my colleagues in top management, academic leaders, administrative and support staff, that I have worked with closely over the last five and a half years as the First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)”.
Some of the accomplishments outlined include:
- Set-up and led the team that crafted a proposal to the MasterCard Foundation (MCF) leading to award of a grant totalling US$ 2,017,933 for the e-Learning Initiative
- Set-up and led the team that submitted a proposal to the MCF leading to award of a grant totalling US$ 45 million for Phase II of the MCF Scholars’ Programme 2023-2033
- Led the Committee that crafted a proposal and won a post-doctoral fellowship development grant from the Carnegie Corporation totalling US$ 1,250,000.
- Set-up and led team that received seed grant of US$ 49,044 from the University of Cambridge, and now finalising a full US$ 25 million proposal on Climate Change and Sustainability
- Led the Committee that crafted a proposal to the Carnegie Corporation leading to award of US$ 1,000,000 to secure capacity development of early career academics (SECA).
- Negotiated and secured high-level international training of four Staff and subsequently won a grant from ARUA-Carnegie, to establish the Mak Data Centre.
- Chaired Steering Committee that won a grant worth US$ 750,000 (2020-2022) and a successor grant worth US$ 750,000 (2023-2025) from the HP Foundation for building capacity in Impact Evaluation for Evidence-based Decisions (IEED).
- As the Institutional focal person for the African Universities Research Alliance (ARUA), championed Makerere’s hosting and participation in eleven (11) Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRES).
- Negotiated and signed an MoU between Makerere and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) on 24th December 2020.
- Negotiated and Signed an MoU with Arizona State University (ASU) on 15th June 2023 to build capacity for Quality e-Learning infrastructure, staff training.
- Signed an MoU involving Makerere and five (5) other African Universities with the EU-CIVIS Universities Alliance for collaboration in research and innovations projects.
- Negotiated and signed an MoU with the University of Pretoria on 14th November 2021 for collaboration in training, joint research, innovations, technology transfer.
- Negotiated and signed an MoU with the University of Arizona on 19th April 2021 for a customised degree paths programme (CDP) and/or the world campus experience (WCE) programme.
- Signed a Consortium MoU involving Makerere and partner African Universities and autonomous research institutes, on 29th January 2021, for the establishment of the African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIIKS).
- Supported establishment of the MoU (signed on 21st February 2022) with the University Network for Strengthening Macro-Financial Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change.
- Conducted six (6) research management training workshops, presided over 100 research symposia and dissemination workshops, revitalised knowledge transfer outputs leading to increased scholarly publications from 900 peer-reviewed Journal Articles in 2020 to 1050 in 2021 and 1432 in 2022.
- Championed the institutionalisation and capacity development of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IoDEL) at Makerere.
- Set up a Taskforce during the CoVID-19 pandemic (in April 2020), to fast-track operationalisation of ODeL policy and framework.
- Championed the development and rolling-out of the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS); a “home-grown software system solution”.
- Revitalised the Makerere University Press (MakPress), successfully publish and launch a total of fifteen (15) book titles, while ten (10) titles are due this year, 2024.
- Provided leadership to establish institutional affiliations with training programmes at the National Defence College-Njeru, (2021); Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba, 2019/2020; Police Senior Command and Staff College-Bwebajja (2022); and IGAD Sheikh Veterinary School Somaliland (2020).
- Presided over the review of One Hundred Seventy-Six (176) existing programme curricula and thirty-five (35) new academic programmes.
- Presided over thirty-four (34) sessions of the Senate Academic Policies and Appeals Committee, and twenty-five (25) Senate Board of Research and Graduate Training.
- Presided over successful completion of annual students’ admissions for Makerere University with enrolment numbers (24,684 in 2019/2000); (19,257 in 2020/2021); (20,827 in 2021/2022); (5659 in 2022/2023); and (21597 in 2023/2024).
- Refurbished the e-Learning infrastructure with 85% of campus now connected on Wireless hotspots; distributed over 400 Laptop computers, projectors and smart-boards to academic units; scale-up of the e-Learning management system (MUELE).
- Coordinated and supervised the successful completion of the 69th, 70th, 71st, 72nd and 73rd graduation ceremonies of Makerere University. A total of 65,092 students (of whom 51% are female) have graduated in the last five (5) years.
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the outgoing DVCAA upon successfully completing his term of office, adding that the handover ceremony had underlined the need to document all undertakings during one’s term of office. He equally undertook to continue along the trajectory of academic excellence embarked on by his predecessor. “I commit to do all it takes to maintain and consolidate the achievements made by Makerere University during this previous term.”
The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.
Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.
He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.
In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.
“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.
She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.
“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.
She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”
The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
-
General1 week agoMastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM Centre Makerere, Graduates Second Cohort of Certificate in Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks ago13th International Working Conference on Stored Product Protection – October 2026
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM Centre of Excellence Steering Committee Charts Way Forward
-
Health1 week agoEkyaalo Diagnostics; Johns Hopkins University Partners with Makerere and MUST to Advance AI Innovation for Breast Cancer Diagnosis